"I can send him round to your hotel," said Smith; "or, for that matter, he'd follow you. He's taken a fancy to you, he has."
"Look here," said the young man, "let me buy him. I'm not a millionaire, but I can afford to buy a dog. I'd like to have this one, and there's no reason on earth why you should give him to me."
"You'd like to have him, and I can afford to give him to you, and I want to give him to you. You must let a man indulge his sense of gratitude. It's only fair."
"Very well, if you say so. Many thanks. I'll step over to the Hippodrome and see your show to-night."
"Do. You'll be surprised."
The two men talked for a few moments longer, and then Zero's new owner said that he must be getting back to lunch.
"You really think the dog will follow me?" he said. "I don't want to take a lead?"
"I know he'll follow you. I tell you I know dogs. They take fancies sometimes. You can take that dog out, and if I call him back myself he wouldn't come."
"I bet you a sovereign he would."
"I'll take that," said Smith. "You go on with him, and I'll wait here."